Report: NFL creates tier system for access to facilities

NFL announces latest protocol for COVID-19 return to training camp.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter the NFL is creating a three-tier system that in regard to teams in the league regaining access to their facilities. It has already created a divide.

The report, published Monday, says there have been heated discussions within teams as to who ends up in what tier.

Teams have to let league office know the tiers people are on seven days before the first mandatory reporting date for players for the 2020 season. There are 26 teams are scheduled to begin training camp July 28.

In addition, The NFL and NFLPA may perform surprise inspections of sites to ensure compliance with the protocols. The league already announced that social distancing and other precautions will be taken by teams when

The system will be referred to as IDER for Infectious Disease Emergency Response. Per the memo ESPN’s Schefter has obtained, the plan sets forth protocols for containing an outbreak of COVID-19.

Here are the tiers via Shefter:

Each list must include the individual’s first name, late name, title, role, and requested access tier. The NFL then will review the lists and either approve or require revisions. Any proposed change to a club’s list must be submitted to, and approved by, the NFL.

• Tier 1 will consist of players, coaches, trainers, physicians, and necessary personnel who must have direct access to the players.

• Tier 2 will consist of general managers, football operations employees, other assistant coaches, video personnel, security, and other essential personnel who may need to be in close proximity to the players and other Tier 1 individuals who may need to access restricted areas. Only individuals assigned to Tiers 1 and 2 will be permitted access to restricted areas, and there will be limits on the number of individuals from each team that can be assigned Tier 1 and Tier 2 access at any given time.

• Tier 3 will consist of certain operational personnel, in-house media and broadcast personnel, field manager, transportation providers and individuals who perform essential facility, stadium or event services but do not require close contact with Tier 1 individuals. Team and other personnel who work exclusively in areas of team facilities that are or will be completely cordoned off from the rest of the facility do not need to be credentialed in one of the three access tiers.

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